HUNGARIAN GENTIAN SEEDS

Gentiana pannonica

Beautiful hardy perennial species that is easier for us to grow than G. lutea but just as suitable for making small batch bitters and tonics. Whorls of dusky purple spotted flowers atop 1'-2' stems that erupt from a rosette of plantain-like leaves. Lovely creamy throats when the flowers open up. Mature roots are smaller than those of G. lutea, but that only makes them easier to dig and more appropriate for harvesting as needed. The superior common gentian for garden culture.

These seeds require at least light stratification to germinate. We prefer to sow them into pots of moist soil kept outdoors in a sheltered location to overwinter and germinate naturally in spring. The pots may also be refrigerated for four to six weeks before being brought to cool room temperature in bright light to germinate. Germination can be erratic so do be patient, but at least some seeds should sprout within a couple weeks at temperatures of around 60°F after stratification. Prick out seedlings to grow on in individual deep 6" pots at cool room temperature in bright light. Harden off before transplanting outdoors into well-drained soil in full or part sun around the date of the last spring frost or in autumn. Water frequently and fertilize weekly with dilute seaweed extract just until rooted in place.

Found wild throughout the Alps and Carpathians. Competes well with other plants, including grass, once established. Mature plants are long-lived and tolerate long periods of drought, as well as extreme cold, but require well-drained soil to overwinter. Does well in many of the rocky soils of the Hudson Valley given at least some shade from hot summer sun.

Hardy to at least zone 4.

Packet contains at least 50 seeds.